PHB vs VXUS
PHB vs VXUS
Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $387M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 268 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.43% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.15% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.52% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.74% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PHB vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Fundamental High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (PHB) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHB returned +7.15% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PHB is up 0.43% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PHB compounded at +8.52% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.74% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -1.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -71.2% for PHB and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHB charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHB currently yields 5.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PHB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8121 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHB or VXUS?
PHB has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHB or VXUS?
Over the past year PHB returned +7.15% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHB annualized -1.63% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHB or VXUS?
PHB has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PHB -71.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PHB and VXUS?
PHB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHB and VXUS?
PHB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHB or VXUS?
PHB yields 5.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PHB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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